Updated 6:33 p.m. | Former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is being approached by local conservatives to run for Republican Rep. Tim Scott’s soon-to-be-vacant House seat — and is considering it — according to two sources in the state. Sanford previously occupied the same Charleston-based seat in the 1990s.

The Republican ex-governor is “studying” a run for the 1st District and making a political comeback, according to one well-placed South Carolina source.

Scott will vacate the staunchly Republican district in January to move to the Senate. Republican Gov. Nikki R. Haley announced Monday that she has selected Scott to succeed Sen. Jim DeMint, who announced his resignation almost two weeks ago.

Sanford has about $124,000 in his old federal account. He left the governor's mansion at the beginning of 2011 after his last two years in office were marred by his admission of an extramarital affair. Sanford's ex-wife, Jenny Sanford, is also among the names of potential 1st District candidates being bandied about in light of Scott's appointment.

Jenny Sanford said in an email to CQ Roll Call Monday that she is considering the race. "My home is in Scott's district, and I know the district very well. I expect many local politicians to enter the race to replace Scott," Sanford wrote. "I have already had calls from people offering to help should I choose to run, and I will speak with my family about that possibility over the holidays."